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The Colonel became sick in November with heart problems, and died on January 29

Admirers of Colonel Meow were known as his minions

Attention minions of Colonel Meow:

We regretfully announce that at some terrible hour on Wednesday - Colonel Meow Time - Colonel Meow, dear leader, feline overlord, and supreme dictator of the Colonel Meow Empire, merged with the infinite. To mark this occasion of feline loss, we ask that all minions observe a moment of silent contemplation ...

... thank you for your kind attention. This moment has been duly noted on your timecards and will be deducted from your pay.

That is all.

Yes, The Colonel is dead.

And the Internet mourns the passing of a truly magnificent animal.

An animal who struck fear into the hearts of lesser beings. An animal who became an icon. An animal who routinely pooped in his own fur.

"Bask, I say! Bask in the glory of my partially digested Fancy Feast!"

And though he didn't actually accomplish much during his reign -- save for countless naps and a finely-developed palate for Scotch -- Colonel Meow did, however, leave this world with at least one true medal of honor.

The other day I saw a death metal band hanging out by their tour van in the parking lot behind a club. They were all dressed in black, and may or may not have been working on lyrics to a new song about fire and lamb meat.